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Convergence for the enterprise

Communications News, April, 2004 by Alex Pierson

A significant difference exists between recognizing the importance of a single, converged network and actually getting there. To succeed with IP telephony solutions, a convergence strategy tailored to specific needs is important, with solutions that give flexibility and choice.

Choice is important because convergence extends beyond technology, to include behavioral and cultural issues. In addition to taking inventory of current technology investments, consider where, how and when people work. The next decision will be whether to IP-enable the existing communication system and optimize the current infrastructure investment, or start from scratch.

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For networks less than seven years old, consider that evolutionary IP-enabled solutions can extend VoIP services across the converged LAN, and allow future-proofing of the existing centralized PBX system. All the capabilities of an IP net work are available, without removing existing equipment.

Rather than changing equipment to gain new functionality, simply update current communications investments and preserve the viability of your existing PBX system. IP-enabled telephony solutions marry new capabilities, such as unified messaging and security, with the existing infrastructure. In addition, telephony services can be extended to branch-office and home-office environments.

Also, if there is a mix of deskbound users and a highly mobile workforce, plan to IP-enable current equipment. A highly mobile workforce demands secure, mobile applications, and needs immediate access to information--any time, anywhere.

Enterprises considering a pure-IP solution should evaluate whether their legacy equipment is outdated, and how many contact centers and distributed locations it plans to include. An all-IP solution creates a single network for both voice and data. This means less maintenance and support costs for IT staff.

By using advanced IP telephony solutions in contact center environments, remote sites can be integrated as if they were in a single building. Software phones can be added, thus reducing long-distance costs. The contact center can also provide better customer service, because calls are routed to the most appropriate contact center location regardless of where they originate.

Branch offices, acquired companies and highly distributed offices face similar challenges, including a hodge-podge of disparate and outdated systems. Remote workers cannot share files or conduct branch-to-branch communications. By implementing a pure-IP solution, bandwidth is optimized, cost-effectiveness maximized and management simplified.

Regardless of the path chosen, standards play a crucial role in the ongoing success of the system, whether it is IP-enabled or pure-IP. To instill longevity in the new infrastructure, choose standards-based equipment.

Convergence is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Adopt a strategy that maps to your timetable, budget or business need. In making decisions, realize that IP telephony and convergence are about changing the way people communicate. Then, weigh the factors, such as cultural, geographical and behavioral issues, in addition to the network infrastructure and size of the organization, to determine the appropriate path to take.

For more information from Nortel Networks: www.rsleads.com/404cn-260

This article was provided by Alex Pierson, vice president and general manger of enterprise networks at Nortel Networks, Toronto, Canada

Technology Industry

Convergence for the enterprise

Communications News, April, 2004 by Alex Pierson

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